Day 46 – Thursday – 26th August – Iran
Yazd
The Hotel Zand had secure parking. Tick.
The Hotel Zand was bad. Tick.
Running Water and Air Con had to be asked for.
Cockroaches and the smell of leaking Gas were free.
The Air Con was also turned off about 1am in the morning and we all woke up warm after a poor nights sleep. Zowi & Chesa argued for a partial discount as the Air Con had been deliberately turned off by the manager. The manager retorted that they should have got out of bed, got dressed, gone to reception and asked for it to be turned back on. 1/2 hour later and with a $5 reduction we left the Hotel Zand and headed the short 45 mile drive to Persepolis.
The ancient city of Persepolis in modern-day Iran was one of four capitals of the sprawling Persian Empire. Built beginning around 520 B.C., the city was a showcase for the empire's staggering wealth, with grand architecture, extravagant works of silver and gold, and extensive relief sculptures, some portraying envoys with offerings for the king.
The height of Persian rule lasted from about 550 B.C. until 330 B.C., when Alexander the Great overthrew the ruling Archaemenid dynasty and burned Persepolis to the ground.
It was absolutely scorching and the ruins at Persepolis provided very little shade. However it isnt often that you are able to admire ruins that are 2,500 years old, and soon 3 hours had passed.
Stopping for some refreshments, provided us with a chance to replenish fluids, but also gave the young guy working in the shop some time to quiz us on England, Iran, Religion, Movies and Travel in general. He pulled up 2 comfortable desk chairs square in front of the Air Con to ensure we spent nearly an hour chatting with him.
Persepolis was a definite highlight for the both of us. The next time that you're in Iran it definitely needs to appear in your Top 5 list of places to visit. Absolutely Awesome.
On the road again.
Goin' places that I've never been.
Seein' things that I may never see again.
And I can't wait to get on the road again. (Thanks to Willie Nelson for the Lyrics)
At 8pm we arrived at Yazd and with the help of the locals, successfully navigated to the well known Silk Road Hotel (known to fellow Overlanders anyway!)
Friday, 8 October 2010
Day 45 – Iran
Day 45 – Wednesday 25th August – Iran
Shiraz
Late last night, whilst retrieving a few items from Barnaby in the Hotel Car park, Zowi spotted a car that is somewhat unusual to Iran – a Fiat Cinquecento!
The Fiat appeared to have been prepared as an Overland vehicle and was decorated with a list of all the countries already visited, starting with flags from Italy through to their destination, Australia. The Fiat also sported a picture of the drivers on the bonnet.
We left a note on their windscreen to say “Hello” and gave our room number in case they wanted to compare notes over a coffee or beer.
Returning to the hotel we tried to ask the Front Desk if there was a couple from Italy staying at the Hotel, but the guy didn’t know. He told us that the car park is shared with other hotels in the vicinity. It dawned on me that I hadn't put the Hotel Name on the note, just the room number. It was too late now to go and change the note. Perhaps we had the only Room 103 on the street
At breakfast in walked the pair of travellers with the Fiat, Simon & Chesa. We knew from the car that they were heading to Pakistan next, but they had news that the roads in Pakistan were impassable due to the recent floods that had ravaged the country. Time to put Plan B into action. Shit, we have no Plan B. Plan A it is then.
Planning to see the more of Esfahan today and to leave for Shiraz later in the day we thought we could compare notes for an hour so. Simon & Chesa were also heading to Shiraz, but had planned to leave in the next 10 minutes. There was just enough time to take their mobile number from them before saying “Ciao”.
We enjoyed a morning walk around the park near the hotel. Kids were playing football on the field, other men were playing Volleyball, just a typical day which could be anywhere in the world. Within the park is Hasht Behesht, a Palace built in the 17th Century and was once the most luxurious decorated Palace in the city.
The drive to Shiraz was about 300 miles. Iran was the first country that we felt that Barnaby attracted a lot more attention on the roads which may be due to the foreign number plates. It is possible to obtain Iranian Number Plates, but they are not required for stays of less than 10 days and cannot be kept as souvenirs when leaving Iran, so we avoided the extra cost and paperwork and kept N432ENB.
After settling into our very basic rooms, we knocked on the door next room to see if Simon & Chesa wanted to find some food with us. They were about to shower and advised that they would go later. The streets of Shiraz had a different feel to the other cities in Iran. Zowi was attracting a little bit more attention from the men standing outside their shops than we both felt comfortable with, possibly as she was only wearing a baggy long sleeve shirt instead of a manteau coat. This was the first time Zowi felt the attention was not welcome. The restaurant that we were looking for had also closed down. Feeling tired and frustrated, we headed back to our room and heated some soup and noodles for dinner before heading to bed to sleep.
Cataracts or Carrots. I’m not sure where to put this section, as it’s my Blog, and my rant, it is going here. A lot of Iranian drivers who drive at night can be split into 2 distinct groups; Cataracts or Carrots.
Cataract Drivers are so named due to very poor eyesight. Cataract drivers need to have their fog lights on and their full beam lights on throughout the night, blinding all drivers they pass.
Carrot Drivers are the complete opposite and can see in the dark very well. Carrot drivers don’t bother with any lights on at all. Kinder Carrot drivers replace the standard headlight bulbs with 1 blue “Christmas Tree Bulb”. “Surprise!” they shout in Iranian as they suddenly appear from nowhere.
Sandstorm brewing on the side of the road.
Only three people this time. However not uncommon to see a family of five out for an evening cruise.
Shiraz
Late last night, whilst retrieving a few items from Barnaby in the Hotel Car park, Zowi spotted a car that is somewhat unusual to Iran – a Fiat Cinquecento!
The Fiat appeared to have been prepared as an Overland vehicle and was decorated with a list of all the countries already visited, starting with flags from Italy through to their destination, Australia. The Fiat also sported a picture of the drivers on the bonnet.
 |
| Photo borrowed from www.500downunder.com as it was too dark to snap their car in the car park! |
Returning to the hotel we tried to ask the Front Desk if there was a couple from Italy staying at the Hotel, but the guy didn’t know. He told us that the car park is shared with other hotels in the vicinity. It dawned on me that I hadn't put the Hotel Name on the note, just the room number. It was too late now to go and change the note. Perhaps we had the only Room 103 on the street
At breakfast in walked the pair of travellers with the Fiat, Simon & Chesa. We knew from the car that they were heading to Pakistan next, but they had news that the roads in Pakistan were impassable due to the recent floods that had ravaged the country. Time to put Plan B into action. Shit, we have no Plan B. Plan A it is then.
Planning to see the more of Esfahan today and to leave for Shiraz later in the day we thought we could compare notes for an hour so. Simon & Chesa were also heading to Shiraz, but had planned to leave in the next 10 minutes. There was just enough time to take their mobile number from them before saying “Ciao”.
We enjoyed a morning walk around the park near the hotel. Kids were playing football on the field, other men were playing Volleyball, just a typical day which could be anywhere in the world. Within the park is Hasht Behesht, a Palace built in the 17th Century and was once the most luxurious decorated Palace in the city.
 |
| Hasht Behesht, a Palace built in the 17th Century |
The drive to Shiraz was about 300 miles. Iran was the first country that we felt that Barnaby attracted a lot more attention on the roads which may be due to the foreign number plates. It is possible to obtain Iranian Number Plates, but they are not required for stays of less than 10 days and cannot be kept as souvenirs when leaving Iran, so we avoided the extra cost and paperwork and kept N432ENB.
Curiosity on the roads is normally a 7-step process...
Iranian car with 1 or more occupants overtake Barnaby.- Iranian car either brakes gently or severely for a closer look at Barnaby.
- Barnaby then overtakes slow Iranian car with all Iranian occupants vying for a closer look.
- Richard & Zowi wave towards Iranians.
- Iranians wave back with smiles.
- Iranian Car slowly overtakes Barnaby so all Iranian occupants can have another look.
- If satisfied, Iranian car pulls away. If still curious, Iranians go to step 2 and repeat.
 |
| Almost there. |
Arriving in Shiraz we set about looking for the Hotel Zand which is about the only hotel listed in the Lonely Planet with secure parking. According to the address and map, it is located just off the main road. We missed the turn off and headed for a U-turn which wasn’t to exist. Suddenly a little Fiat Cinquecento pulled from a side street in front of us. Simon and Chesa were in Shiraz and having the same problem locating the hotel as we were. Pooling our skills, knowledge and resources together we drove around for another 20 minutes before Chesa found the Hotel after asking the locals for directions.
What a tight fit! The car park entrance to the Hotel Zand was fine for a little Fiat, but Barnaby (and Richard) both a little bigger, struggled to get in, eventually squeezing in after folding mirrors in with only millimetres to spare. Richard was not looking forward to getting out in the morning.
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| Not the nicest hotel choice. Only one night at least. |
Cataracts or Carrots. I’m not sure where to put this section, as it’s my Blog, and my rant, it is going here. A lot of Iranian drivers who drive at night can be split into 2 distinct groups; Cataracts or Carrots.
Cataract Drivers are so named due to very poor eyesight. Cataract drivers need to have their fog lights on and their full beam lights on throughout the night, blinding all drivers they pass.
Carrot Drivers are the complete opposite and can see in the dark very well. Carrot drivers don’t bother with any lights on at all. Kinder Carrot drivers replace the standard headlight bulbs with 1 blue “Christmas Tree Bulb”. “Surprise!” they shout in Iranian as they suddenly appear from nowhere.
 |
| He never did say which letter..hmmmm |
Wednesday, 6 October 2010
Day 44 - Iran
Day 44 – Tuesday 24th August – Iran
EsfahanThe weather again was over 35C and as it was midday, there was very little shade to be found. It was still Ramadan and therefore Muslims are fasting between sunrise and sunset, this includes the drinking of water. Non-Muslim tourists are able to drink discreetly, something that we became adept at in order to survive the midday heat.
The first place we visited was Imam Square, located in the centre of Esfahan, which as the name suggests, is a beautiful square with 4 sides! On the south side of the square is ‘The Shah Mosque’ and on the west side is ‘Ali Qapu Palace’. To the eastern side of the square is ‘Sheikh Lotf Allah Mosque’ – (ladies Mosque), and finally to the northern side is the famous Esfahan Grand Bazaar.
The Grand Bazaar is a historical market in Esfahan, and one of the oldest and largest bazaars of the Middle East, dating back to the 17th Century. The Grand Bazaar is a vaulted 2km street linking the old city with the new. 
Outside the Grand Bazaar a man approached us, speaking very good English. He told us that his Father specialised in restoration and pottery work, and was even pictured in the latest edition of Lonely Planet! In keeping with the friendliness that nearly all the Iranians have offered, this man took us for a trip to the roof of the Bazaar for a view of its roofline and the domes which let in light.
There are many shops contained around the square itself. One particular Carpet shop owner came out and started talking with us. It transpired that his brother had emigrated many years ago to Sale, Victoria (a small town in Australia where Zowi’s Mum grew up) and now sells the luxury carpets and rugs that are exported from Esfahan!
On Armond & Lerniks recommendation, we toured the Armenian district of Jolfa, particularly enjoying the painting, carvings and artwork of the impressive Vank Cathedral.
The bridges over the Zayande river include some of the nicest architecture in Esfahan. The River starts in the Zagros Mountains and flows from west to east through the heart of Esfahan, before drying up in the Kavir desert. The oldest bridge is the "Pol-e Shahrestan" dating back to the 12th Century!
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